Sculpture & Space

June 1217, 2021
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 19

Lot 19

Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)

Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
Lot 19 Details
Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017), Canadian

COMPOSITION


Silver patinated bronze; signed "Ritchie" and numbered 3/6, with obsidian base (unattached; sculpture can be presented in any position)
Including base 4.5 ins x 5 ins x 3.1 ins; 11.4 cms x 12.7 cms x 7.9 cms

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $660
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
  • Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
  • Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
  • Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
  • Jim E. Ritchie (1929-2017)
Provenance:

Jean-Pierre Valentin Gallery, Montreal;
Private Collection, Montreal

Exhibited:

A sculpture from this edition was exhibited at Jean-Pierre Valentin Gallery, Montreal in the group show "Sculptures," November 05, 2020 to December 18, 2020.

Note:

Born in Montreal, Ritchie would spend the majority of his life in Provence, in the town of Vence. Vence has long attracted the artistic set, including Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, Dubuffet and D.H. Lawrence, who died there. Ritchie spent his career sculpting in Vence, though preferred to travel to the Tuscan town of Pietrasanta to produce his bronzes. Ritchie’s work was exhibited internationally, though perhaps the artist is best known for the Cubist figure of a young woman, La Vençoise, that stands in the centre of the town he loved.

The palm-sized sculpture pictured here was cast in silver, an aberration from Ritchie’s more typical mediums of bronze and marble. The artist stopped directly carving marble in the 1980s, preferring to work with wax maquettes which he would then enlarge before casting into bronze. His use of a precious metal here suggests that either this tiny sculpture was the end goal in and of itself, or that it was cast to commemorate a particularly momentous larger commission. Regardless, collectors will be sure to appreciate this pocket-sized piece.

CONDITION DETAILS

This lot is in good overall condition There are casting bubbles which are inherent in the process and absolutely not from neglect; the fine cracks are actually striations on the surface in the casting. Would benefit from a cleaning.


As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and mandated government restrictions, Waddington’s regrets that we are unable to make lots from this auction available for pre-auction, in-person inspection. This condition report has been prepared by Waddington’s as a courtesy and has been provided for guidance only. The Lot is offered in the condition it is in at the time of sale. Any reference to condition in the report for the Lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the Lot form part of the condition report for the Lot provided by Waddington’s. Please note, certain images of the Lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the Lot and may represent colours and shades which are different to the Lot’s actual colour and shades. Waddington’s specialists are not professional conservators or restorers and the report set forth is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Waddington’s. Prospective buyers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. Buyers are reminded that Waddington’s warranties with respect to any property are limited as set forth in the Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

LOT 19
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.